McKenzie/Fraser ancestors - problem

[malcy63]

Hello. I am new to the site but have been researching my family history for a couple of years now. My grandmother was Helen (Nellie) Mackenzie born 23/12/1898 at Hillockhead in Rosemarkie. Her parents were Allan Mackenzie, farm grieve, and Mary whose maiden name was Fraser. I have tried tracing the families further back but have hit several snags and conflicts. Can anyone help??

Thanks in hope!

[MonicaL]

Hi malcy63

Welcome to RootsChat 

It might be good if you explain the sorts of problems you have been finding with the research so that people understand better where you are at and try and help with those problems.

Just as background, is this your grandmother with family in 1901:

Allan Mackenzie 40, ploughman b. Urquhart, Rossshire
Mary Mackenzie 40 b. Cromarty, Rossshire
Maggie Mackenzie 14
William Mackenzie 12
Allan Mackenzie 11
Samuel Mackenzie 9
James Mackenzie 7
Annie Mackenzie 6
Simon Mackenzie 4
Helen Mackenzie 2 b. Rosemarkie, Rossshire
John Mackenzie 1

Address: Wester Craiglands Roschaugh Estate, Rosemarkie

Monica 

[MonicaL]

Likely entry for the family from 1891 (big family in total!):

Allan McKenzie 30 farm servant b. Dores, Inverness Shire
Mary McKenzie 30 b.Cromarty, Ross Shire
Colm McKenzie 6
Mary Jane McKenzie 5
Maggie McKenzie 4
William McKenzie 2
Allan McKenzie 1
Thomas Fraser 9, step son b. Resolis, Ross Shire
Mary Fraser 54, mother in law, crofter b. Resolis, Ross Shire

Address: Mains of Connage Farm Servant's House, Petty Inverness-shire

[malcy63]

Thanks

Yes these are the correct family. The 1891 entry mentions Mary Fraser, mother in law, widow, living with the family. However I had some research done which found a marriage match to Mary Fraser whose parents were William Fraser and Mary Cumming. I have traced this couple in the 1891 census living at Upperwood Crofters House and the head of the family is William Fraser - so I don't know which entry is correct!

[MonicaL]

Is the one you mention that you have found for a William and Mary Fraser in 1891?:

William Fraser 72, crofter b. Kirkhill, Invernessshire
Mary Fraser 50 b. America
Margaret Fraser 31 b. Cromarty, Cromartyshire
Thomas Fraser 55 brother b. Kirkhill, Invernessshire
William Fraser 9 grandson b. Resolis
David Stewart 7 grandson b. Glasgow

Address: Upperwood Crofter's House, Resolis, R&C

And then this one in 1871, after the birth of Mary and her sister Jane:

William Fraser 52, mason b. Kirkhill, Inverness
Mary Fraser 37 b. Island, Pt Edwards
Margaret Fraser 19 b. Cromarty
Mary Fraser 10 b. Cromarty
Jane Fraser 6 b. Cromarty
Anne Cummin 28, sister in law, soldier's daughter b. England
Address: Free Church Manse, Resolis

All fits well doesn't it.

Sometimes happens that someone was double counted on a census entry. Possibly mother Mary was visiting the McKenzie family and she was also included in the Fraser household in Resolis? Not supposed to happen but it did unfortunately.

Were there any Fraser witnesses at your Mary's wedding to Allan McKenzie? Who reported the death of mother Mary Cumming Fraser?

Monica 

[malcy63]

Yes that's the one I found and I thought it might have been double counting apart from the fact that Mary Fraser is described as a widow on the first entry when I'm pretty sure William Fraser died a year later in 1892. Also, with her daughter's family she is described as born in Resolis whereas throughout the alternative set of records she is described as born in America (actually, Prince Edward's Island, Canada).

Hence my doubts started to grow...

There were no Fraser witnesses at the wedding. Mary Cumming Fraser's death was reported by her daughter Margaret and her parents are recorded (correctly) as William Cumming and Mary Solman.

[MonicaL]

I can understand your doubts...but I think you are on the right track. You can only go with the facts that you have. You will I am sure also have Mary's death entry which again will confirm her parents' details. Your Mary's age looks to be consistent in the censuses and also her place of birth.

The only anomaly is, I think, why the entry for Mary Fraser with the McKenzies showed her as a widow 

[malcy63]

Thanks for your reassurance. I will continue to dig!

[MonicaL]

Just a thought....

The Thomas Fraser 9, step son b. Resolis, Ross Shire - from the 1901 McKenzie entry. Have you checked his birth entry. Just wondering whether you would be able to tie up his birth address to that of Mary's parents?

Monica